At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high street projects, engage with businesses, and manage economic development initiatives.
- Company: Join a London Borough Council dedicated to enhancing the local economy.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rates and the chance to make a real impact in your community.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that boost trade and create jobs while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience; project management qualification is a plus.
- Other info: Evening and weekend meetings may be required; strong communication skills are essential.
Economic Development Officer – London Sector Local Authority Department: Economy Reports to: Business Services Manager Duration: 6 Months Pay rate: £39.11 per hour Umbrella / £31.19 per hour PAYE Site Based Department: Economy Reports to: Business Services Manager Overview We are collaborating with a London Borough Council to recruit an Economic Development Officer (EDO). This role is pivotal in supporting and enhancing the local economy by encouraging investment, attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and executing the Council’s economic plans. Strong communication and project management skills are essential. We seek a highly motivated individual to lead high street programmes in the borough, focusing on business, trade, sport, and events. Responsibilities Business Engagement and Support: Lead high street projects to boost trade and footfall in the Borough. Build relationships with businesses, enterprise/business support agencies, and local associations. Coordinate business support programmes, including sign-posting, referrals, and quality standards. Engage with businesses to foster a resilient local economy. Communication and Customer Service: Provide an effective customer-focused service, including preparing succinct communications such as a monthly newsletter. Draft informed responses to enquiries from senior officers, councillors, partners, and the public, including Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and complaints, in a confidential and sensitive manner. Property and Space Management: Develop working relationships with property management agents, managed workspace providers, and landlords to understand the supply of vacant commercial premises. Use this information to support and manage business enquiries for vacant sites/premises within the council. Programme Delivery: Deliver a range of activities directly or through third-party organisations. Design activities, training, and workshops to support enterprise development, sustain and scale existing businesses, and introduce small businesses to major contractors and buyers in the public and private sectors. Supplier and Project Management: Commission and manage suppliers for high street and business support programmes. Maintain a CRM/database of businesses to track outputs and outcomes. Provide high-quality briefings, policy advice, and reports for senior officers and stakeholders. Event Support: Support seasonal events, festivals, shows, business events, fayres, etc. Conduct research and manage small projects to encourage economic development in the borough. Stay updated on high street support programmes and attend evening and weekend meetings as needed. Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience. A project management qualification is desirable. Knowledge & Experience: Knowledge of high street support within a local authority. Experience in a similar role. Strong understanding of high street economic issues. Experience with local authority processes. Negotiation skills. Experience with business or community associations. Project and supplier management experience. Ability to analyse data. Experience engaging with stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple projects. Advisory experience. Proficiency in office software. This role involves leading high street programmes, engaging with businesses, and managing various projects to enhance the local economy. Candidates with strong communication and project management skills, along with experience in local business engagement, are encouraged to apply
Economic Development Officer employer: Red Personnel
Contact Detail:
Red Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the local economic landscape of the borough. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities that businesses face in the area will help you engage more effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate your commitment to enhancing the local economy.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local business associations and community groups. Building relationships with these organizations can provide valuable insights into the needs of local businesses and help you establish credibility as a potential Economic Development Officer.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current high street support programs and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about existing resources and programs will allow you to effectively communicate how you can contribute to their success and support local businesses.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Highlight specific projects you've managed, focusing on outcomes and how you engaged with various stakeholders to achieve success, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Economic Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in economic development, project management, and business engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Economic Development Officer and your understanding of high street economic issues.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders, managed customer inquiries, or prepared reports.
Highlight Project Management Experience: Detail your project management experience, especially any relevant qualifications. Discuss specific projects you've led or contributed to, focusing on outcomes and your role in achieving them.
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Personnel
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've managed in the past. Highlight your ability to coordinate multiple tasks, manage timelines, and deliver results. Use examples that demonstrate your organizational skills and how you overcame challenges.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Abilities
Since strong communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders, drafted reports, or engaged with the community. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the customer-focused service aspect of the job.
✨Understand Local Economic Issues
Research current economic trends and challenges facing high streets in London. Be ready to discuss how these issues impact local businesses and what strategies you would propose to support them. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to enhancing the local economy.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the council's economic plans and high street initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively. It also gives you a chance to assess if the organization aligns with your values and career goals.